Wichita eagle., 1887-04-07
LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS.
To the Editor Of the Eagle.

LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS.
To the Editor Of the Eagle
Foremost among the many noted town
which are noted for marvellous growth
stands the city Of Herington, in the south
eastern part of Dickinson county, Kan
sas.
Three short years ago, the travelle
crossing these almost trackless plains saw
at this point only lofty eminence, sur
rounded On all sides by most charming
landscape, made up of broad, extended
fertile plains and distant hills, while neal
at hand flowed one of the numerous tribu
taries of the Smoky Hill, its sinuous course
boldly outlined by heavy growth of ma
tive timber, and just here it pleased Dame
Nature to scatter her blessings with &
lavish hand, the result being one Of tn,
most beautiful natural parks to be me-
with in the west.
Numberless mineral springs Of clear
cold water. whose supply seems mex
haustible, babbls from beneath rocks and
roots of trees In 4 most unexpected ant
picturesque manner, their united waters
forming running streams which join the
onward flow to the river.
There was but one human habitation in
all this broad expanse, but its occupant
piercing the future with prophetic eye,
and contemplating the unlimited develop
ment Of which the region was capable, set
his master mind and indomnitable will tc
the accomplishment Of that end.
And 10, the change! To-day as if by
magic, a prosperous and hourishing village
stands, where but three summers since was
An unbroken solitude. Across the country
stretches the line of the ~, X. & T. rail
way.
From north to south may be seen, for
distance of seven miles the completed
grade of the great Rock Island.
Southwest of this city this road sends out
two branches one to the south on its way
to the gulf and the other bound to the Pa
cifc.
The company have sixty acres laid out in
switches, upon some of which long trains
loaded with iron and ties may be seen
daily.
pnr6a for ~rnfhar vOa1 To
city with Abilene on the north, will be
voted upon on the 9th inst
Harrington is thus to be a railroad cen
ter, having direct communication in at least
five directions, with all the principal cities
of the center west and SOUTH making it an
excellent point for shipment
The increase in the valuation Of proper
.y is almost fabulous, Some lots purchased
three months since at $l5e having sold re
Gently for $1,000; nor are purchasers
wanted at these rates; seventy Thousand
dollars worth of city real estate having ex-
changed hands since the new year, and, in
order to supply the growing demand, $50
acres are to be added to the town plat.
Strangers in search Of a location are con-
stantly thronging the streets.
Several syndicates are trying to gain a
f"othold upon sons of the outlying terri
tory but the founder of the town, w D.
Harrington. believing that his liberal poll
cy and princety donations to all public in
terests, to be more conducive to rapid
growth, hesitatcs about yielding his claim.
The building boom has amounted to a
rage.
Already Prospect Hill and the eastern
part of town are thickly studded with ele
CANT residences in all stages of erection.
A commodious school house and
fine churches have been built
and two others will be erected
as soon as workmen can be secured.
A college is one of the certainties of the
near future
Several fine business blocks are rapidly
nearing completion, and colossal four
story and basement hotel, will this week
be thrown open to the public, and will
supply long felt want as all hotels and
boarding houses are crowded to their ut
most capacity, while some are compelled
to content themselves with tents, wagons
and temporary board shanties, until houses
cVn be provided.
Contracts are already let fer the Rock
Island freight depot. and pala,ial two
story passenger depot. also for twenty
stall round house and the company's ma
chine shops.
A fine bus line will connect the two
passenger depots until the street railway
can be constructed for the purpose
Rex.